Hardware⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-05-28

How to Fix: Weirdly Specific Grounding Problem

Grounding issue with PreSonus Faderport 16 and M2 Pro Mac Mini, solved by identifying second monitor as culprit.

Quick Answer: Try using an isolation transformer or a separate ground point for your monitors to isolate the grounding issue.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. ⚠️ Common Causes
  2. 🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes
  3. 💡 Conclusion

The issue you're experiencing is due to a grounding problem caused by the new second monitor. When you adjust the faders on your PreSonus Faderport 16, it's not reading the input from the potentiometers correctly, but touching the chassis of the device with your other hand seems to resolve the issue. This suggests that there's an electrical ground issue between the control surface and the Mac Mini.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • Using multiple monitors with different grounding systems can cause electrical interference.
  • The PreSonus Faderport 16 uses potentiometers to read the fader positions, which can be sensitive to electrical noise.
  • Grounding issues between the control surface and the Mac Mini can prevent the device from reading the fader input correctly.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes

Method 1: Isolated Grounding

  1. Step 1: Disconnect the second monitor from your Mac Mini.
  2. Step 2: Connect only the first monitor to your Mac Mini, and ensure it's properly grounded using an anti-static wrist strap or mat.
  3. Step 3: Reconnect the PreSonus Faderport 16 to the Mac Mini and test the faders again.

Method 2: Using a Grounding Strap

  1. Step 1: Purchase an anti-static grounding strap and attach it to the chassis of the PreSonus Faderport 16.
  2. Step 2: Connect the other end of the grounding strap to a grounded metal object on your Mac Mini, such as a metal casing or a grounded USB port.
  3. Step 3: Reconnect the PreSonus Faderport 16 to the Mac Mini and test the faders again.

Method 3: Using a Grounding Mat

  1. Step 1: Purchase an anti-static grounding mat and place it under your Mac Mini.
  2. Step 2: Ensure the PreSonus Faderport 16 is placed on a grounded surface or use a grounding strap to connect it to the grounding mat.
  3. Step 3: Reconnect the PreSonus Faderport 16 to the Mac Mini and test the faders again.

💡 Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the grounding issue with your PreSonus Faderport 16 and enjoy smooth fader control on your Mac Mini.

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